named after one of the main cities in the northeast. more than 300 participants have come here from across the world and across japan. they include government officials, experts, and representatives of international organizations. they spent two days talking about the 2011 disaster and subsequent recovery efforts. >> translator: we'ved learned a lot from our disaster recovery efforts. i think it's critical for us to share these lessons with people around the world. and i'm making that another personal mission. >> we'll not be able to prevent the natural hazards that threaten people around the world, but working together we can lower the dangers. prepare better, respond more quickly, lessen the costs, and first and foremost make the lives of people all over the world safer. >> reporter: panel discussions on tuesday focus on preparedness in countries. compiled a report based on the japan earthquake. japanese are woven into their culture. schools, offices, and communities hold regular drills to prepare for earthquakes and other events. the